Latch construction



July 28, 1942. R. A. MILLER LATCH CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Nov. 1, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet l m m Q .U Q a mm l 2 Rii kn M" mm m w ww\ 11 I III .I all lllt kw R mw L Y .N

/VVE'NTOR ROBERT f7. M/LLER y 8 1942- RA. MILLER 2,291,402

LATCH CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Nov. 1, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 III Q7 g 37 Q 2 S Me 35 H ZNVENTOR POeEET/Q MILLER f7 TTOR/VEK July 28, 1942- R. A. MILLER LATCH CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Nov. 1, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IA! vzw TOR Reamer/7. Mu. LEE

qTTOR/VEK Jufly 28, 1942.

R. A. MELLE R LATCH CONS TRUGTION Original Filed Nov. 1, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented July 28, 1942 LATCH CONSTRUCTION Robert A. Miller, Tarentum, Pa., assignor to Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, Allegheny County, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Original application November 1, 1938, Serial No. 238,198. Divided and this application May 24, 1941, Serial No. 395,034

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to latch mechanisms for closures and it has particular relation to mechanisms for latching or locking doors or other closures comprising panels of glass.

One object of the invention is to provide mech anism of the foregoing type the main elements of which are mounted in a floor or ceiling of a building rather than in the movable closure panels.

This and other objects of the invention will be apparent from consideration of the following specification and the appended claims.

It has heretofore been proposed to form doors or other closures for buildings of single massive panels of glass, which panels usually are tempered in order to increase the strength thereof. Difliculty has been encountered in the provision of adequate and attractive securing devices for such closures. Obviously the provision of conventional mortise locks is impracticable. Other types of conventional locking mechanism are objectionable because they tend to detract from the general appearance of a single massive panel of glass. Furthermore, in most instances they require mounting holes or openings of one form or another which holes are difiicult to form in such hard, brittle material as glass. These difiiculties are accentuated where the doors comprise twin panels, the swinging edges of which are juxtaposed when the doors are closed.

In accordance with the provisions of the present invention the foregoing difiiculties are substantially obviated by the provision of a latching or locking mechanism the body of which is mounted in a floor or ceiling and is adapted to be projected lockingly to engage a corner portion of the doors or closure panels to be secured.

For a better understanding of the invention reference may now be had to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a cross-sectional View through a convenient embodiment of a looking mechanism and the adjacent corner portions of a pair of swinging doors.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view substantially upon the line IIII of Figure 3, showing an additional form of the invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially upon line III-III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view Figure 6 is a fragmentary view taken substantially upon the line VI.-VI of Figure 5.

Figures '7, 8 and 9 are fragmentary plan views illustrating schematically the relative arrangement of the locking mechanisms with respect to swinging door panels.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating a convenient form of key-controlled locking mechanism for use in connection with the latching devices.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View disclosing electrically-controlled locking mechanism.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a latching mechanism embodying a mag netically-controlled securing device for the bolt thereof.

In the drawings like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 and '7 a pair of door panels l5 and I6, preferably of tempered glass, of a thickness varying within the approximate range of A to 1 inches, are perpendicularly mounted to swing in any convenient manner in an opening, one horizontal edge of which is defined by a deck such as a floor or ceiling I1. When the doors are closed two of their edges are so juxtaposed as to practically completely close the opening.

Mechanism to latch or lock the panels in closed position includes a housing I8, disposed as shown in Fig. 1 in the plane of the doors and having flanges l9 countersunk in the floor or ceiling to receive securing screws or bolts 2| extending therethrough. The housing is closed by a plate 22 which is provided with a tubular boss 23 that contains a vertically sliding bolt 24. The bolt when retracted is concealed in the housing, thus leaving a plane surface. It is also formed with a peripherally-extending groove 26 for a yoke 21 at the forward extremity of a horizontal operating bar 28. The bar swings vertically upon transversely-extending pivot 29, and is urged to normally retracted position by means of a spring 3| of mouse-trap type. One extremity 32, of. the spring, bears upon the upper face of bar 28 and the rear portion 33 bears against a tubular abutment 34 extending downwardly from plate 22. At its mid portion the spring is bent about pivot 29 to produce tension upon the extremities.

The bar 28 is also provided with a rearwardlyextending portion 36, which may be depressed'in order to actuate, the bolt 24 upwardly, by means of a normally, flushly disposed push-button 31 disposed in tubular abutment or boss 34. The button includes a stem 38 extending downwardly to engage the portion 36 when the latter is in elevated position, and a head 39, the lower face of which is engaged by helical spring 40 extending about the stem to maintain the button in normally elevated position. The lower end of V the spring rests upon flange 4! about the inner periphery of the boss 34.

The bar 23 is latched in elevated position by means of mechanism including a small bellcrank lever 42, pivoted at its apex upon transverse pin 43. The lever includes at one extremity a hooked portion 44, adapted to engage extension 36, to maintain the latter in depressed position. It will be observed that the extremity of the portion 36 and the hook 44 are so rounded or sloped that upon depression of button 31 to move the projection 36 downwardly the hook is moved rearwardly by cam action until itcan clear the rear edge of the projection.

Release of hook 44 from the projection 36 is effected by push-button mechanism including a second flushly disposed button having a stem 48 mounted to reciprocate in a tubular housing 49 extending downwardly from cover plate 22. The button is maintained in elevated position by helical spring engaging the lower face of the button at one extremity and at its lower extremity engaging suitable flange 52 about the inner periphery of the housing. At its lower extremity stem 48 of the button 41 is pivoted by means of pin 53 disposed in slots 54 within bifurcated portion 55 at the rear extremity of the bell-crank lever in such manner that depression of the button swings the hook portion 44 to release extension 36 of arm 28.

Bolt 24, when elevated to operative position, is received within an opening 56 in a block 51 of brass or other material disposed in a notch in the corner of door panel I5, and is insulated from direct contact with the glass by means of a resilient packing 59 of rubber or other suitable material. It is secured in position by means of a bolt 66 in bushing 6| in opening 62 that communicates with the notch 56 in such manner that the bushing is keyed within the opening. The bolt at its extremities extends through cover plates 63, which may be secured to the block 51.

by means of transverse bolts 64.

A block 66 is also disposed in a notch 61 in panel l6 and is secured from displacement by means of bolt 68 in circular opening 69, cover plates H and bolts 12, all substantially corresponding to bolts 60, plates 63 and bolt 64. Block 66 is formed with horizontally-extending bore 13 in which i slidably disposed a bolt 14, projecting into a corresponding opening in the edge of block 51. Bolt 14 may be operated in any convenient manner, for example, by means of a laterally-extending arm 16 (shown in Fig. 7) which projects through an opening 11 in one of the plates 1 l.

The operation of the mechanism herein shown is substantially self-evident. Assuming that the bolt 24 is inrdepressed or retracted position and that it is desired to lock the door panels 15 and 16 the panel 16 is first opened to expose the button 31. The latter is then depressed to swing the arm 28 upwardly and correspondingly to project the bolt 24 into the opening 56, Simultaneously the hook 44 is cammed rearwardly until it engage and locks the rearextremity of the projection 36. The panel i6 may then be closed and the bolt 14 projected into the opening in the block 51, thus securing the two door panels in locked position. The push-buttons 31 and 41 controlling the latch bolt are then directly below the panel 16 and can not be operated so long as the latter is closed. Upon retraction of the bolt 1'4, the panel i6 may be opened to expose button 4?. Depression of the latter disengages hook 44 from projection 36 and permits the bolt 24 to be withdrawn from opening 56.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 and '7, the latch bar 28 is disposed substantially within the plane of the closed positions of panels I5 and I6. However, as shown in Figure 8 the bar may be turned transversely of the door panels. In this event it is preferable to employ two latching mechanisms, one for each door panel. Either panel may then be released independently oi the other. Assuming that the latching mechanisms are disposed with the push-buttons 39 and 41 to the interior of a room or building, the doors may be locked or latched against entrance from the exterior, but can be opened by a person within the interior.

In the forms of the invention disclosed in Figures 2 and 3 the employment of blocks in the corners of the door panels is obviated. In this form of the invention the housing 86 corresponding to the housing I8 is disposed in a floor or ceiling and is provided with a cover plate 8| within which is formed an opening 82. A bolt 83 having a bifurcated 'upper portion 84 is slidably disposed in the opening in such manner that the bifurcated portion may engage and disengage the lower corners of a pair of door panels 65. The lower portion of the bolt is recessed as indicated at 86 to receive the forward extremity of latch bar 8'! corresponding to latch bar 28. The extremity is pivoted upon a transverse pin 88 within the recess; tion of the bolt 33 this embodiment of the invention substantially corresponds in construction to that disclosed in Figurel. It will be noted that the latch bar 81 extends transversely of the door panels and since the bolt 83 simultaneously engages both panels of the door a single latch is sufficient for both panels. l

In the form of the invention disclosed in Figures 4, 5 and 6, a plate-like bolt 90 of substantial Width is disposed to reciprocate in opening Si in housing 92." The' plate is slotted as indicated at 93 to receive the forward extremity or latch bar 94, corresponding to bars 28 and 81, which is pivoted within the'slot by means of transverse pin 96. The upper extremity of the bolt is received within suitable slots formed in the adjacent corners of blocks 91 which iri construction and mounting essentially correspond'to "the block 5'! and 66, shown in Figure 1. .j

The operation of this embodiment of themvention substantially corresponds to that described in connection with Figures 2 and 3. Both panels of the door are locked by the single bolt 9%! and may be released bylidepression ofa button 68, corresponding to button 41. f.

In Figure 10 is illustrated a convenient embodiment of apparatus including 'a lock adapted to actuate the latching mechanism and also positively to secure the latter in lo'cked'positioni In this embodiment of'theinventiona latchbar H16 corresponding to the bar 28 and providedvvith'a .rearwardly-projecting portion [01, is pivoted upon transverse pin H12 in housing I133; The bar is actuated to retracted position by means'ofhain Aside from the modifica- I pin spring I04 bearing upon the top of bar III and at the other extremity engaging the under face of cover plate I05 of housing I03.

The projection IOI is actuated to and maintained in depressed position by means of a lock including a conventional lock cylinder I06, which is disposed in a socket I01 in cover plate I05 and may be rotated by key I08. The lower extremity of the cylinder I06 i provided with a downwardly-projecting cam I09 adapted upon rotation of the cylinder to gradually depress portion IIII. When the key I08 is withdrawn from the lock cylinder the key opening is closed against the admission of dirt by means of a small lid I I0, hinged upon pin I I I, and adapted to fit flush with the surface of the floor or ceiling in a countersink II2.

After the lever I00 has been elevated by rotation of cylinder I06, it is maintained in position until the cylinder is again rotated to re lease cam I09 from projection IOI.

The locking mechanism disclosed in Fig, 10 may be employed to actuate any of the levers 28, 81, or 94. Where it is employed, bell-crank 42 and its attendant push-buttons are not required.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the latching mechanism is controlled by means of electrical solenoids which are in circuit with suitable switches disposed at any convenient point. The construction embodies a casing II9 approximately of inverted L shape, and having a flange I by means of which it is secured in a floor or ceiling I2I, in

vertical alignment with door or doors I22. The 0.)

vertical branch I24 of the casing is of tubular cross-sectional outline and at its lower extremity is threaded to receive a screw plug I26 providing a closure therefor.

Bolt I21 reciprocates within the branch and at its upper extremity is provided with a bifurcated portion, the branches I28 of which slide in slots I29 in the top portion I 3| of the casing. The bolt also comprises a stem portion I32 which is bored as indicated at I33 to receive a slidable plug I34 which is provided with a stem I36 6X": tending downwardly and threaded at its lower extremity into the plug I26. A coil spring I31 is disposed about the stem I36 and engages at opposite extremities with the lower face of plug I34 and the bottom of the bore I33, to urge the bolt to retracted position. In order to actuate it upwardly to locking position, a solenoid I39 is disposed in an intermediate portion of the branch I24 and is connected by conductors MI and I42 to a source of electrical current. A conventional switch I43 connected in series with the conductor I4I provides means for controlling the energization of the solenoid.

Branch I46 of the casing I I9, like branch I24 is of tubular cross-section and includes at its extremity a screw threaded closure plug I41 corresponding to plug I26. A horizontal bolt I48 reciprocates within the branch I46 and is provided at its forward extremity with a lip I49 adapted to engage a shoulder I5I at the upper extremity of stem I32. The bolt is bored as indicated at I5Ia to receive a helical spring I52 which engages at its extremities respectively with the bottom of the bore and the adjacent face of the plug I41. This spring actuates the bolt forwardly automatically to engage the aforementioned shoulder when the bolt is elevated and thus to prevent retraction of the bolt I21. In order to retract bolt I48 to release bolt I21,

a solenoid I53 is disposed in the branch I46 and is connected by conductor I .42 and a conductor I54 with a suitable source of energizing current. A switch I55 disposed in serie with the conductor I54 provide means for controlling the current.

It will be apparent that the switches I43 and I55 may be of substantially any convenient design and may include locking mechanism (not shown) if so desired in order to prevent unauthorized manipulation thereof. The switches may be disposed at any suitable place either adjacent to or remote from the door which is to be locked.

The operation of the mechanism disclosed is practically self evident. Assuming that the bolt I21 is in retracted position, door I22 is swung into alignment with the bifurcated upper portion thereof. Switch I43 is then closed to energize the solenoid I39. As a result, the bolt is actuated upwardly to engage the lower edge of the door panel or door panels I22. When the upper limit of travel is reached bolt I48 is projected forwardly by the spring I52 to engage the shoulder I5I and thus to maintain the bolt in elevated position after the switch I43 is closed. When it is desired to open the door, switch I 55 is closed to energize the solenoid I53, thus causing the bolt I48 to be retracted against the urge of the spring I 52. The bolt I 21 then drops or is retracted by the urge of the spring I31 and the door is thus left free to swing open.

In the form of th invention illustrated in Figure 13 a housing I58 is provided with a cover I59 having marginal projections I60. The cover, also, has a downwardly-projecting tubular boss I62 within which reciprocates a locking bolt I63. This bolt is bifurcated and the branches I66 of the bifurcated portion reciprocate within slots I61 in the top or cover I59 of the housing. In order to prevent possible chipping of the lower edge of a door I68, which is locked by the bolt, the upper portions of the branches I66 may be faced or covered with rubber, resin or soft metal such as lead, aluminum, copper, or other material in the form of a layer I69. .One of the branches I66 may also include a laterally-extending lug I1I extending outwardly to provide a convenient thumb piece for manually pressing the bolt downwardly out of engagement with the lower edge of the door I68.

The bolt is actuated upwardly into engagement with the door by means of a lever I12 journaled intermediate of its length upon a pivot I13 disposed in upwardly-extending brackets I14 on the bottom of housing I 58. Spring I16 is coiled about the pivot and at its opposite extremities engages respectively with the brackets I14 and the lower edge of the lever, thus providing means for maintaining the bolt in normally elevated position.

Securing means for positively preventing any unauthorized depression or retraction of the bolt I63 includes a small bell-crank lever I11, pivoted at its apex upon pin I18, which extends through downwardly-extending bracket I19 in cover I59. The downwardly-extending branch I8I of the lever is adapted to engage the rear extremity of lever I 12 when the bolt I63 is in elevated position, thus preventing depression of the latter to release the door. The branch I8I also includes a hooklike portion I 82 adapted to engage the rear extremity of the lever in order to maintain the boltin depressed position when so desired. Branch I83 of the lever is provided at its rear extremity with a piece I84 of iron or other magnetic material constituting an armature. If so desired, the armature may be partially counterbalanced by means of a small weight I86 at the extremity of an auxiliary arm I81 upon the bell-crank. The magnetic pull required to elevate the armature is thus reduced.

The mode of the operation of this embodiment of the invention is substantially as follows:

Assuming that the bolt IE3 is in elevated posi-- tion to engage the edge or edges of door or doors I68 and it is desired to release the latter, a magnet I88 of any suitable design is brought over cover I59 into proximity to the armature I84, thus causing the branch I8I of the lever I11 to swing rearwardly out of the path of the extremity of the lever I12. Manual pressure may then be exerted upon the lug "I of the bolt, thus causing the latter to be depressed against the urge of spring I16 until the rear extremity of the lever is eventually above the hooked portion I82. If the magnet I88 is then removed while the bolt is held in depressed position, it will be apparent that the arm I8I will swing forward to engage the hook with the lever, thus positively locking the latter against the urge of the spring and maintaining the bolt I63 in depressed posisition. In event that it is desired to release the bolt, it is merely necessary again to bring the magnet I88 over the armature I84. This causes the arm IBI again to swing rearwardly, to release the lever I12 and permit the bolt I63 to be projected upwardly by spring I16. Manifestly if the friction between hook I82 and lever I12 is too great to be overcome by magnet I88, a slight pressure on thumb piece |1l will relieve it.

The main advantages of the forms of the invention disclosed in Figures 11, 12 and 13 reside in the fact that the use of buttons or other manipulating devices, which might be objectionable in a floor, are obviated. The only openings required in the floor are those formed to permit passage of the locking bolts.

The embodiments of the invention herein disclosed and described are relatively simple in construction. All of the main operating elements thereof can be conveniently housed in a floor or ceiling a may be convenient in such manner as to obviate the necessity of inclusion of mechanism within the door panels themselves. The expense involved in the provision of such mechanism is obviated. Simultaneously, the door is substantially unmarred by any locking mechanism.

The devices are particularly well adapted for securing doors comprising massive swinging panels of glass. However, they may be employed in connection with doors of other material or for securing horizontally sliding panels and doors. The devices may also be employed for securing doors comprising single panels rather than a pair of panels.

The forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be considered merely as exemplary and numerous modifications may be made therein without departure from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

This is a division of my copending application Serial No. 238,198, filed November 1, 1938 for Latch constructions, which has matured into Patent No. 2,264,182, of November 25, 1941.

What I claim is:

l. A latching mechanism for a double door in doorway of a building construction having a deck, the door comprising a pair of hinged panels having swinging edges which in closed position of the panels are directly juxtaposed and the deck defining a horizontal side of the doorway, said locking mechanism comprising a vertically reciprocable bolt disposed in the deck and engaging When in elevated position with the adjacent edge of one of the panels when the latter is in closed position, releasable means positively to hold the bolt in engagement with the edge, means to actuate said means to release the bolt, disposed to be covered by, but being out of engagement with, one edge of the second panel and. being manually operable to efiect release of the bolt only after the second panel has'been opened.

2. A construction as defined in claim 1, which further includes locking means carried by one of the panels to secure the two panels together in closed position.

ROBERT A. MILLER. 

